Installation

Before Installation

Prerequisites

• Ensure Thingsee Gateway is installed and operational
• Plan sensor locations to maintain mesh network coverage (< 20m between nodes)
• Identify monitoring zones (parking spaces or loading docks)
• Determine optimal mounting position (wall, pole, or ceiling)
• Verify mounting surface suitable for chosen method

Planning Sensor Placement

Key Considerations:

• Sensor beam must be directed toward monitored area
• Adjust sensing distance to avoid detecting beyond intended zone
• Install perpendicular to center of measured area for best performance
• Can be angled up to 45° depending on installation spot

Network Coverage Planning

• Maximum distance: 20m between sensors or to gateway
• Use intermediate sensors as routers for distances > 20m
• RADAR sensors work outdoors - plan for weather exposure
• IP68 rating allows installation in exposed locations

Parking Space Monitoring - Wall or Pole Mount

Most common installation method for parking

Installation Height

• Recommended: 40-60 cm from floor (knee height)
• Optimal placement: Middle of parking slot
• Beam direction: Perpendicular to parking space

Wall/Pole Mounting Steps

1. Select mounting location:

   • Middle of parking slot (width-wise)
   • 40-60 cm height from floor
   • On wall or pole adjacent to parking space
   • Ensure beam points into parking space

2. Mark mounting position:

   • Hold sensor at desired location
   • Verify beam direction covers entire parking space
   • Mark screw/bolt holes with pencil
   • Check for obstructions in sensing cone

3. Prepare mounting surface:

   • For concrete/brick: Drill holes, insert anchors
   • For metal pole: Use pole mounting bracket (if available)
   • For wood: Pilot holes recommended
   • Clean mounting area

4. Mount sensor:

   • Align sensor with marked positions
   • Insert screws/bolts through mounting holes
   • Tighten securely (do not over-tighten)
   • Verify sensor level and beam direction correct

5. Verify orientation:

   • Sensor face directed at parking space
   • 17-degree cone covers full space
   • No obstructions in sensing path
   • Test: Place object in space, verify detection

Placement Best Practices

✅ Good placement:

• Center of parking slot
• Clear line of sight to vehicle detection point
• Perpendicular to parking space
• Protected from vehicle impacts (set back from edge)

❌ Avoid:

• Mounting where vehicles might strike sensor
• Locations with obstructions (poles, signs) in sensing cone
• Areas where water pools or drains (though IP68 rated)
• Direct exposure to vehicle headlights (if possible)

Parking Space Monitoring - Ceiling Mount

Recommended for covered parking or indoor garages

Installation Height and Position

• Mount: Directly above parking space
• Beam direction: Downward toward parking surface
• Height: Varies based on ceiling height (sensing range 10 cm - 10 m)
• Optimal: 2-5 meters above parking surface

Ceiling Mounting Steps

1. Locate optimal position:

   • Center of parking space (lengthwise and width-wise)
   • Verify ceiling height within sensor range (< 10m)
   • Check for ceiling obstructions (pipes, ducts, lights)
   • Mark position on ceiling

2. Prepare ceiling mount:

   • For drop ceiling: Use tile support or bracket
   • For concrete ceiling: Drill holes, insert anchors
   • For drywall: Use appropriate anchors rated for sensor weight (166g)
   • Ensure mount can support sensor securely

3. Install sensor:

   • Attach sensor to ceiling mount
   • Sensor face pointing downward
   • Tighten securely
   • Verify sensor cannot rotate or fall

4. Adjust sensing distance:

   • Configure for ceiling height + vehicle height
   • Account for different vehicle types (cars vs. SUVs)
   • Test with vehicle present and absent
   • Fine-tune distance setting if needed

Ceiling Installation Considerations

• Covered parking: Ideal use case
• Indoor garages: Excellent reliability
• High ceilings: May approach 10m range limit - test carefully
• Lighting: Avoid mounting directly adjacent to bright lights (not a technical issue, but for maintenance access)

Loading Dock Monitoring

Optimized for detecting trucks/trailers at loading bays

Installation Position

• Front of dock: Monitor approaching vehicles
• Above dock door: Detect when trailer backs in
• Side of dock: Monitor dock occupancy
• Sensing distance: Typically 5 meters (default loading dock config)

Installation Steps

1. Select mounting point:

   • Wall or pole near loading dock
   • Height: 1-3 meters (depending on what you’re detecting)
   • Beam directed toward approach path or docking position
   • Consider trailer height and positioning

2. Configure sensing distance:

   • Default loading dock: 5 meters
   • Adjust based on dock depth and trailer size
   • Avoid detecting beyond dock area (e.g., passing vehicles)
   • Test with trailer in position

3. Mount sensor:

   • Follow wall/pole mounting steps (see Parking section)
   • Ensure secure mounting (loading docks are high-vibration environments)
   • Protect from vehicle strikes (set back or use protective barrier)
   • Verify IP68 seal intact

4. Test detection:

   • Empty dock: Should show unoccupied
   • Trailer backed in: Should show occupied
   • Adjust distance if needed
   • Verify no false positives from passing vehicles

Loading Dock Best Practices

✅ Optimal:

• Mount to detect trailer at docking position
• Sensing distance set to dock depth
• Protected from vehicle impacts
• Weatherproof (outdoor exposure common)

❌ Avoid:

• Mounting in vehicle impact zone
• Detecting beyond intended dock area
• Locations with heavy vibration (though MIL-STD-810H rated)

Sensing Distance Configuration

Critical for accurate detection

Understanding Sensing Range

• Full range: 10 cm - 10 m
• Parking default: 2 meters
• Loading dock default: 5 meters
• Configurable: Remotely via Haltian Operations Cloud

Setting Appropriate Distance

Parking Spaces

• Compact cars: 1.5-2 meters
• Standard cars: 2 meters (default)
• SUVs/Trucks: 2.5-3 meters
• Mixed use: 2 meters (covers most vehicles)

Loading Docks

• Shallow docks: 3-4 meters
• Standard docks: 5 meters (default)
• Deep docks: 6-8 meters
• Approach detection: 8-10 meters

Avoiding False Positives

Set distance to:

• Cover full monitored area
• Stop before adjacent areas
• Exclude passing traffic
• Account for vehicle variations

Example: Parking space depth 5m, but adjacent walkway 6m away. Set sensing distance to 5m to avoid detecting pedestrians.

Mounting Hardware

Included in Package

• RADAR sensor unit
• Mounting bracket (check package)
• Installation guide

Additional Hardware Needed

For wall/concrete mounting:

• Screws or bolts (M6 or M8 recommended)
• Wall anchors for concrete/brick
• Drill and appropriate drill bit
• Level (for alignment)

For pole mounting:

• Pole mounting bracket (if not included, contact Haltian)
• U-bolts or hose clamps (for round poles)
• Stainless steel hardware (outdoor use)

For ceiling mounting:

• Ceiling mount bracket
• Appropriate anchors for ceiling type
• Ladder or lift for access

Weatherproofing (Already IP68)

• Sensor is IP68 rated (no additional weatherproofing needed)
• Ensure mounting bracket drainage (water doesn’t pool on bracket)
• Verify mounting hardware corrosion-resistant (stainless steel recommended)

Post-Installation Verification

Network Connection

1. Wait for network join:

   • Device automatically joins Wirepas mesh network
   • Typical join time: 1-10 minutes
   • May take longer in outdoor environments with sparse mesh

2. Verify in Haltian IoT Studio:

   • Log into IoT Studio portal
   • Navigate to device list
   • Confirm sensor appears with correct ID
   • Check “Last Seen” timestamp

Detection Testing

1. Baseline test (empty):

   • Ensure parking space or dock is empty
   • Verify sensor reports “unoccupied”
   • Wait 5-10 minutes for stable reading

2. Occupancy test:

   • Park vehicle in space (or position trailer at dock)
   • Wait 30-60 seconds (depending on measurement interval)
   • Verify sensor reports “occupied” in IoT Studio

3. Exit test:

   • Remove vehicle
   • Wait 30-60 seconds
   • Verify sensor returns to “unoccupied”

4. Repeat several times to confirm consistent detection

Signal Strength Check

1. Review RSSI values in IoT Studio:

   • Good signal: > -70 dBm
   • Acceptable: -70 to -85 dBm
   • Poor: < -85 dBm

2. If signal poor:

   • Add intermediate sensor as router
   • Relocate gateway closer (if possible)
   • Check for RF obstructions (metal structures)

Sensing Distance Verification

1. Measure actual distance from sensor to vehicle detection point
2. Compare to configured distance in IoT Studio
3. Adjust if needed (contact Haltian support for remote adjustment)
4. Test edge cases:
   • Small cars (compact vehicles)
   • Large vehicles (SUVs, trucks)
   • Verify both detected reliably

Installation Checklist

• Gateway operational and network ready
• Sensor location planned (parking or loading dock)
• Mounting method selected (wall, pole, ceiling)
• Mounting surface prepared (drilled, anchors installed)
• Sensor securely mounted
• Beam direction verified (perpendicular to monitored area)
• Sensor level and aligned
• Device appears in IoT Studio
• Empty state verified (“unoccupied”)
• Occupied state verified (vehicle present)
• Exit verified (vehicle removed, returns to “unoccupied”)
• Signal strength acceptable (RSSI > -85 dBm)
• Sensing distance appropriate for use case
• No false positives from adjacent areas
• Documentation updated (location, sensor ID, configuration)

Support

For installation assistance:

• Email: support@haltian.com
• Remote configuration: Contact for sensing distance adjustments
• Technical support: Site-specific installation questions
• Mesh network planning: Contact for large deployments